“I have learned that writing is not just the mere act of using a paper and pencil or computer but talking, sharing, drawing, thinking are all important steps in the writing process.”
“I learned strategies for teaching writing and discussion, critical thinking, point of view and writing workshop in general. I also learned that I want to write more…..more about being a teacher and making my voice heard. And I learned that I want to be a leader for educational change and in developing more respect and an honest image of what a teacher is and does. I also want to provide a channel for my students to express their voice and to have agency for themselves and for their world.”
“Our leaders were excellent. They were great role models and I plan to use their inspiration as I begin the school year. I felt I gained a wealth of knowledge and feel so much better equipped to teach writing this year. It has been a subject I’ve dreaded in the past and now I can’t wait to get started.”
“The Illinois Writing Project’s Summer Leadership Institute fueled my passion for writing in a way I never thought possible. This experience was life changing on both a professional and personal level.”
“The IWP has inspired and rejuvenated my passion to teach writing. I am excited to implement many of the skills we discussed and tried. I have discovered new resources and research to reference in order to inform my practice. Can’t wait to start a new school year.”
“I was able to meet a lot of other awesome educators of varying teaching backgrounds and experiences. I loved that we were able to experience different types of writing and share out to the group in a non-threatening way, encouraging participation from all.”
“Through this wonderful institute, I learned the value of teaching what really matters in the classroom: authentic inquiry, rigorous critical thinking, and every person’s ability to grow as a writer, as a thinker, and as a person. We dwelled in possibilities, in potential, and in the positives of one other. We were led— led by inspiring, expert role models—to develop as confident leaders and learners ourselves.”